If there were ever a trivia question asking about my favorite music time period, the answer would be the nineties R&B. During the 1990s, a high volume of R&B music was hitting shelves, making it challenging to stay up-to-date. On this week’s Slow Jam Saturday, I’d like to pay tribute to a group that may have slipped your mind – II D Extreme and their slow jam, If I Knew Then (What I Know Now”).”
In 1993, the trio consisting of D’Extra Wiley, Randy Gill (Johnny Gill’s brother), and Jermaine Mickey debuted with the single “Cry No More.” Their self-titled debut album was successful with hits such as “Up on the Roof” and “Let Me Love You.” For the next two years, they toured extensively to promote their album. In 1996, they returned with their second album, From I Extreme II Another, led by the single “If I Knew Then (What I Know Now).”
Written by group member D’Extra Wiley, the track explores the regret and longing of a man who realizes the mistake he made in a past relationship. The lyrics discuss the emotional distress and sorrow experienced when someone loses a loved one and the recognition that their pride and inability to communicate effectively contributed to the end of the relationship.
Each member of the group takes a turn singing the lead vocals, expressing their deep regret for not being able to let go of their pride and walking away from their partner. They confess that their ego blinded them, and they ignored the actual call of love, failing to comprehend the weight of their choice fully. They have realized they lost their true love and felt overwhelming remorse for their actions.
The lyrics also touch on the difficulty of admitting fault and apologizing. The narrator acknowledges that saying “I’m sorry” is challenging for them, but they are willing to put their pride aside to rectify their mistakes and rebuild the love they lost. They yearn for a second chance, ready to start anew and let go of the past.
This song emphasizes the importance of cherishing what we have before it’s too late. Sometimes we unknowingly take our loved ones for granted, only realizing their worth when they’re gone. A great R&B ballad explores themes of regret, introspection, and the longing for another chance. It underscores the significance of effective communication, humility, and appreciating love while we have it. Kudos to II Da Extreme for delivering this message.
Final Grade: B+
“If I Knew Then (What I Know Now)” from the album From I Extreme II Another is available on all streaming platforms.
Songstress Ashanti was experiencing significant success with two platinum albums at the time of the release of her inaugural holiday project, “Ashanti’s Christmas,” on November 18, 2003. Her label head, Irv Gotti, produced most of the album. This project comprises four original songs co-written by Ashanti, in addition to six cover versions of traditional Christmas standards and carols.
Vocal quartet A Few Good Man contributed two songs to the project: a cover of “Silver Bells” and the ballad “Merry Christmas My Dear,” both of which were produced by Daryl Simmons. Demail Burks, David Morris, Aaron Hilliard, and Tony Amey were the members of the group, and after introducing themselves in the festive video for “Silver Bells,” it was only fitting that they delivered a ballad on the album.
R&B legend Luther Vandross had already solidified his place in R&B when he released his first holiday album, “This Is Christmas. Arriving in stores on October 24, 1995, “This Is Christmas” validates Vandross’s ability to sing anything.